The park was begun in 1988, when Jim Murphy sold 700 acres (280 ha) of land to EBRPD.

The park is near the edge of the Diablo Range, and its wooded hills are a sharp contrast with the almost treeless flat land of the Central Valley, which begins a few miles farther east.

Birds include golden eagles and the burrowing owl, both of which are a state "Species of Special Concern.

"[1] Due to the sensitivity of the wildlife habit at Round Valley, dogs are not permitted in the preserve.

It starts in a small oak grove and rises to an open, grassy area on the south side of the preserve that provides very good views of Round Valley, and is nearly all single-track.